Disposable absorbent article designed to facilitate an easy change

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer&#39;s lower torso.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/824,425, filed Jun. 28, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/545,187, filed Oct. 10, 2006, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/008,731, filed Dec. 9,2004, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/079,184filed Feb. 20, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to hygienic absorbent articles, such asdiapers, training pants and the like. Particularly, the invention isdirected to disposable diapers designed to facilitate the process offitting the diaper to a wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles are well known in the art. These articles typicallyhave an absorbent core held or positioned in proximity to the body of awearer during use by a fastening system in order to capture and absorbbodily exudates discharged from the wearer. Typical absorbent articlesinclude a topsheet facing the wearer, which permits fluid exudates topass through, and a backsheet, which prevents the exudates from escapingfrom the absorbent article.

Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers are designed to absorb andcontain bodily waste in order to prevent soiling of the body andclothing of the wearer. The disposable diapers typically comprise asingle design available in different sizes to fit a variety of wearersranging from newborns to toddlers undergoing toilet training. The designof the diaper typically affects performance, such as, ability to absorband contain bodily waste. The size of the diaper typically affects fit,for example, the size of the diaper waist opening, the size of theopenings around the thighs, and the length or “pitch” of the diaper.

Articles worn externally to the body of the wearer, such as diapers, arecommonly misapplied due to awkward positioning of the wearer or therestless movement of the wearer during fitting. Such misapplication mayresult in an uneven fit; gaps, which result in leakage; and misplacedparts (such as fasteners), which may result in marking the skin of thewearer and/or discomfort. This is particularly true of caregiversdealing with uncooperative wearers such as babies. Babies, even from ayoung age, move their legs into awkward positions, roll from side toside, or even violently resist diaper changes using hand and legmotions. As a result, the caregiver often has to hold portions of thewearer's body as well as the diaper during the change process making itvery difficult to achieve proper alignment of the diaper for fitting.

Attempts have been made in the art to improve the process of applying anabsorbent article to the wearer such as by using an external change aidsuch as described in co-pending European Patent Application No. 01117671filed Jul. 26, 2001. The change aids described in said application aredevices that assist in the application or removal of articles wornprimarily externally on the body of the wearer, especially hygienicabsorbent articles, such as diapers, adult incontinence articles,feminine protection articles and the like. However, such externaldevices are not integrated in the absorbent article itself requiring thecaregiver to purchase an extra device

Thus, there is a need for a disposable diaper including features thatfacilitate the changing process. Particularly, there is a need for adiaper having intuitive elements that facilitate a change by enabling acaregiver to get the fit on the wearer right the first time withminimal, if any, adjustment.

There is also a need for a diaper having versatile change elements thatenable it to be fitted to a wearer while the wearer is standing or lyingdown where in either case the diaper can easily be fitted to the wearerwithout instruction.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article to be wornabout the lower torso of a wearer that includes at least one serviceableindicium that facilitates an easy, intuitive change by aligning thearticle relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or relative to acomponent of the article, thus enhancing the fit and correspondingperformance of the article._The disposable absorbent article includes abody-facing surface and a garment-facing surface; a longitudinal axisand a transverse axis; a first waist region with a first end edge, asecond waist region with a second end edge, and a crotch regioninterposed therebetween. A pair of opposing longitudinal side edgesjoins the first end edge and the second end edge. The disposableabsorbent article includes a backsheet having a body-facing surface anda garment-facing surface, and a core disposed on the body-facing surfaceof the backsheet.

Embodiments of the disposable absorbent article include at least oneexternally visible serviceable indicium disposed on portions of thedisposable absorbent article proximate the longitudinal side edges in atleast the crotch region. The disposable absorbent article may alsoinclude at least one externally visible serviceable indicium disposed onportions of the disposable absorbent article proximate the first andsecond end edges. The externally visible serviceable indicia distinguishthe portions of the garment-facing surface of the article proximate thelongitudinal side edges and portions of the article proximate the firstand second end edges from a portion of the garment-facing surface of thearticle proximate an intersection of the longitudinal and transverseaxes. For these embodiments, the externally visible serviceable indiciacan provide a contoured pattern complementing features of the disposableabsorbent article such a shaped core, barrier leg cuffs and/or afastening system.

For instance, in one embodiment, the disposable article includes a firstear panel disposed along each longitudinal side edge in the second waistregion. Each first ear panel includes a body-facing surface and agarment-facing surface. At least a portion of each of the first earpanels includes at least one externally visible serviceable indiciumcomplementing the externally visible serviceable indicium disposed onthe garment-facing surface of the article proximate the first and secondend edges and/or proximate the longitudinal side edges. For thisembodiment, the disposable absorbent article includes a fastening systemfor releasably securing the first waist region and the second waistregion about the lower torso of the wearer. During fitting, the at leastone externally visible serviceable indicia on the portion of each of thefirst ear panels are aligned with the externally visible serviceableindicia proximate the first end edge to form a composite substantiallyaligned indicia encircling the waist of the wearer. At the same time,the at least one externally visible serviceable indicium on thegarment-facing surface of the article proximate the longitudinal sideedges form composite substantially aligned indicia encircling the legsof the wearer. The composite substantially aligned indicia encirclingthe waist and the legs of the wearer denote proper alignment and fit ofthe article about the hips and legs of the wearer.

Alternate embodiments include at least one internally visibleserviceable indicium observable on a portion of the body-facing surfaceof the disposable absorbent article facilitating the alignment of thearticle, or components thereof, to anatomic features of the wearerduring fitting. For these embodiments the disposable absorbent articlemay include an elasticized topsheet with an elongated slit openingdisposed therein. The elasticized slit opening is intended to align withthe wearer's anus and/or genitals to receive fecal matter and/or urinetherein. The internally visible serviceable indicia can be used tofacilitate such alignment.

In another embodiment, the disposable absorbent article includes afastening system having separate primary and secondary landing membersthat attach to tab members during a first fit and a second fit,respectively. The primary and secondary landing members includeserviceable indicia providing instructional marks designating matchingconnections with the tab members during the first fit and the secondfit. The first fit provides a loose fit which can enable the article tobe maneuvered about the wearer's lower torso during fitting and thesecond fit provides a secure fit about the wearer's waist.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following description which is taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which like designations are used todesignate substantially identical elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 a is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article according tothe present invention including externally visible serviceable indiciadisposed on the garment-facing surface of the article.

FIG. 2 b is a three dimensional front view of the disposable absorbentarticle depicted in FIG. 2 a showing the first waist region attached tothe second waist region.

FIG. 2 c is a three dimensional side view of the disposable absorbentarticle depicted in FIG. 2 a showing the first waist region attached tothe second waist region.

FIG. 2 d is a three dimensional rear view of the disposable absorbentarticle depicted in FIG. 2 a showing the first waist region attached tothe second waist region.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article according to thepresent invention including externally visible serviceable indicia inthe rear waist region providing a contoured pattern.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent article according to thepresent invention including externally visible serviceable indicia inthe rear waist region providing a contoured pattern complementing theshape of the core.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the disposable absorbent article depicted inFIG. 2 a including instructional serviceable indicia providing guidanceor instruction to the caregiver relative to tightness of fit of thearticle about the wearer.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention includinginternally visible serviceable indicia.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including aninternally visible serviceable indicium, which is both colored and3-dimensional.

FIG. 8 shows the disposable absorbent article depicted in FIG. 7 beingfitted to a wearer.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia highlighting the first waist region of the articlewith a smooth curved transition towards the back.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia highlighting the crotch region of the article.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia highlighting crotch region of the article and theposition of the slit opening.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia highlighting the first waist region of the article.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article depicted in FIG. 12 with visible serviceable indiciaproviding patterns to create a smooth transition between the first waistregion and the second waist region of the article.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia highlighting the slit area and a target urinationzone in the first waist region.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia comprising two different patterns wherein the outerpattern aids in longitudinal positioning of the article and the innerpattern highlights the slit opening.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia highlighting the first and second waist regions andthe target zone for the anus relative to the slit opening.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia highlighting elasticity and positioning of the slitopening.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the body-facing surface of the disposableabsorbent article according to the present invention including anelastically foreshortened topsheet and a slit opening with visibleserviceable indicia highlighting the crotch area, the slit opening and atarget urination zone in the first waist region of the article.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a diaper including instructional serviceableindicia on the first and second landing members of the fastening systemdenoting a first fit and a second fit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the invention, it isanticipated that the invention can be more readily understood throughreading the following detailed description of the invention and study ofthe included drawings.

The present invention provides a disposable absorbent article worn aboutthe lower torso of a wearer including at least one serviceable indiciumthat facilitates an easy intuitive change. The serviceable indicium isdisposed in distinct areas of the article and includes features and/orcharacteristics signaling to a caregiver and/or wearer how to achieve aproper fit. The wearable article may be applicable to disposableabsorbent articles including training pants, incontinence briefs,incontinence undergarments, inserts for disposable or durable diapers orother garments and the like. One embodiment of an absorbent article ofthe present invention is a unitary disposable absorbent article, such asthe disposable diaper 20, shown in FIG. 1.

Definitions

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

“Absorbent article” refers to devices that absorb and contain liquid,and more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or inproximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the variousexudates discharged from the body.

“Longitudinal” is a direction running parallel to the maximum lineardimension of the article and includes directions within ±45° of thelongitudinal direction.

The “lateral” or “transverse” direction is orthogonal to thelongitudinal direction and is essentially in the plane of the articlewhen the article is in a flat stretched out position.

The “Z-direction” is orthogonal to both the longitudinal and transversedirections.

The “x-y plane refers to the plane congruent with the longitudinal andtransverse directions.

The term “disposable” is used herein to describe absorbent articles thatgenerally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored orreused as an absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discardedafter a single use and, preferably, to be recycled, composted orotherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner).

As used herein, the term “disposed” is used to mean that an element(s)is formed (joined and positioned) in a particular place or position as aunitary structure with other elements or as a separate element joined toanother element.

As used herein, the term “joined” encompasses configurations whereby anelement is directly secured to another element by affixing the elementdirectly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element isindirectly secured to another element by affixing the element tointermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

A “unitary” absorbent article refers to absorbent articles which areformed of separate parts united together to form a coordinated entity sothat they do not require separate manipulative parts like a separateholder and liner.

As used herein, the term “diaper” refers to an absorbent articlegenerally worn by infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso.

As used herein, the term “complement” refers to filling in or completingsuch as by overlapping, matching, or aligning therewith; contextuallyrelating, or highlighting.

As used herein, the term “body-facing surface” generally refers to asurface oriented towards the body when fitted to a wearer.

As used herein, the term “garment-facing surface” generally refers to asurface oriented opposite the body-facing surface when fitted to awearer.

As used herein, the term “serviceable indicium or indicia” generallyrefers to distinctive marks, colored regions, patterns, and/or texturesdisposed on a disposable absorbent article to provide a functionalattribute. Particularly, the functional attribute includes providing avisual indication that facilitates an easy intuitive change of thedisposable absorbent article during fitting.

As used herein, the term “externally visible”, as used in reference toan indicium associated with an article, refers to the ability of a humanviewer to visually discern the indicium with the unaided eye (exceptingstandard corrective lenses adapted to compensate for near-sightedness,farsightedness, or astigmatism) in standard lighting conditions from apoint of reference viewing the garment-facing surface of the articlewhile the article is held in a configuration wherein the garment-facingsurface is within the field of view.

As used herein, the term “internally visible”, as used in reference toan indicium associated with an article, refers to the ability of a humanviewer to visually discern the indicium with the unaided eye (exceptingstandard corrective lenses adapted to compensate for near-sightedness,farsightedness, or astigmatism) in standard lighting conditions from apoint of reference viewing the body-facing surface of the article whilethe article is held in a configuration wherein the body-facing surfaceis within the field of view.

As used herein, “standard lighting conditions” refer to lightingconditions in which human vision operates efficiently (e.g., the humaneye is able to discern complex patterns, shading, and colors).Specifically, for the purposes of describing this invention, standardlighting conditions are at least one of the following:

-   -   a) natural illumination as experienced outdoors during daylight        hours,    -   b) the illumination of a standard 100 watt incandescent white        light bulb at a distance of 2 meters, or    -   c) as defined by CIE D65 standard illuminate lighting at 800 lux        to a 1964 CIE standard observer.

As used herein, an “anatomic feature” of a wearer may include anyexternally discernible portion of the wearer's anatomy specific to acertain definable region and/or function. Exemplary anatomic features ofhuman bodies include, without limitation, waste exit ports such as theanus, genitalia, the perineal region, the gluteal groove, leg creases,the navel, buttocks, hip and/or pubic bones, the thighs, the rib cage,and the like.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the diaper 20 in its flat out, uncontractedstate (i.e., without elastic induced contraction) with portions of thestructure being cut away to more clearly show the underlying structureof the diaper 20 and with the body-facing portion of the diaper 20 whichcontacts the wearer facing the viewer. The diaper 20 includes alongitudinal axis 100 and a lateral or transverse axis 110, a first endedge 10 and a second end edge 12 connected by longitudinally extendingside edges. A longitudinal side edge refers to an edge oriented ±45°from the longitudinal axis 100 and includes rectilinear and curvilinearside edges. One end portion of the diaper 20 is configured as a firstwaist region 36 of the diaper 20. The opposite end portion is configuredas a second waist region 38 of the diaper 20. An intermediate portion ofthe diaper 20 is configured as a crotch region 37, which extendslongitudinally between the first and second waist regions 36 and 38. Thewaist regions 36 and 38 generally comprise those portions of the diaper20 which, when worn, encircle the waist of the wearer. Therefore, thefirst waist region 36 and the second waist region 38 are commonlyreferred to as the front waist region and the back waist region,respectively, to correspond to orientation of the diaper 20 relative tothe wearer's body during fit. The waist regions 36 and 38 may includeelastic elements such that they gather about the waist of the wearer toprovide improved fit and containment. The crotch region 37 is thatportion of the diaper 20 which, when the diaper 20 is worn, is generallypositioned between the legs of the wearer.

The chassis 22 of the diaper 20 comprises the main body of the diaper20. The chassis 22 comprises an outer covering including a liquidpervious topsheet 24 and/or a liquid impervious backsheet 26 and atleast a portion of an absorbent core 28 encased between the topsheet 24and the backsheet 26. For unitary absorbent articles, the chassis 22comprises the main structure of the diaper 20 with other features addedto form the composite diaper structure. While the topsheet 24, thebacksheet 26, and the absorbent core 28 may be assembled in a variety ofwell-known configurations, preferred diaper configurations are describedgenerally in U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,003 entitled “Contractible SidePortions for Disposable Diaper” issued to Kenneth B. Buell on Jan. 14,1975; U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S.Pat. No. 5,221,274 issued to Buell on Jun. 22, 1993; and U.S. Pat. No.5,554,145 entitled “Absorbent Article With Multiple Zone StructuralElastic-Like Film Web Extensible Waist Feature” issued to Roe et al. onSep. 10, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234 entitled “Disposable Pull-OnPant” issued to Buell et al. on Oct. 29, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,411entitled “Zero Scrap Method For Manufacturing Side Panels For AbsorbentArticles” issued to Nease, et al. on Dec. 3, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No.6,004,306 entitled “Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional ExtensibleSide Panels” issued to Robles et al. on Dec. 21, 1999; each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

The topsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24 andthe core 28. Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,892,536 issuedto DesMarais et al. on Jan. 9, 1990 entitled “Absorbent Article HavingElastic Strands”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,990,147 issued to Freeland on Feb. 5,1991 entitled “Absorbent Article With Elastic Liner For Waste MaterialIsolation”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,416 issued to Allen et al. on Aug. 6,1991 entitled “Disposable Absorbent Article Having ElasticallyExtensible Topsheet”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,775 issued to Freeland etal. on Dec. 14, 1993 entitled “Trisection Topsheets For DisposableAbsorbent Articles and Disposable Absorbent Articles Having SuchTrisection Topsheets”; each of which is incorporated by referenceherein. Further preferred embodiments of elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in detail in co-pending European PatentApplication No. 01117670 filed Jul. 26, 2001 and copending EuropeanPatent Application No. 01117669 filed Jul. 26, 2001 each of which isincorporated by reference herein.

The absorbent core 28 may comprise any absorbent material that isgenerally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer'sskin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine andother certain body exudates. The absorbent core 28 may comprise a widevariety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposablediapers and other absorbent articles such as comminuted wood pulp, whichis generally referred to as air felt. Examples of other suitableabsorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding; melt blownpolymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened, modified orcross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps andtissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbentpolymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other known absorbentmaterial or combinations of materials.

The backsheet 26 is generally that portion of the diaper 20 positionedadjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 28. Backsheet26 prevents the exudates absorbed and contained therein from soilingarticles that may contact the diaper 20, such as bed sheets andundergarments. In preferred embodiments, the backsheet 26 issubstantially impervious to liquids (e.g., urine) and comprises alaminate of a nonwoven and a thin plastic film such as a thermoplasticfilm having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm(2.0 mils). Suitable backsheet films include those manufactured byTredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. and sold under the tradenames X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitable backsheet materials mayinclude breathable materials that permit vapors to escape from thediaper 20 while still preventing exudates from passing through thebacksheet 26. Exemplary breathable materials may include materials suchas woven webs, nonwoven webs, composite materials such as film-coatednonwoven webs, and microporous films such as manufactured by MitsuiToatsu Co., of Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO and by Tredegar, ofRichmond, Va. Suitable breathable composite materials comprising polymerblends are available from Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under thename HYTREL blend P18-3097.

The diaper 20 may include a fastening system 50 such as a hook and looptype fastener including at least one engaging component (male fasteningcomponent) and at least one landing zone (female fastening component).Alternatively, the fastening system 50 may include a tab and slot typefastener wherein the tab member includes a retaining element thatinterlocks with an opening such as a slit, slot, or loop.

The diaper 20 may also include side panels, referred to herein as firstear panels 30, disposed in the second waist region 38. The first earpanels 30 may be integral with the chassis 22 comprising extensions of aunibody chassis design or alternatively, the first ear panels 30 maycomprise separate members attached to the chassis 22 using adhesives,ultrasonic bonds, radio frequency bonds, or other suitable means. Thefirst ear panels 30 may be elastic or extensible to provide acomfortable and contoured fit by initially conformably fitting thediaper 20 to the wearer and sustaining this fit throughout the time ofwear well past when the diaper 20 has been loaded with exudates sincethe elasticized first ear panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 toexpand and contract. The first ear panels 30 may also provide moreeffective application of the diaper 20 because even if the caregiverpulls one elasticized first ear panel 30 farther than the other duringapplication, the diaper 20 will “self-adjust” during wear. Examples ofdiapers with elasticized first ear panels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,857,067, entitled “Disposable Diaper Having Shined Ears” issued toWood, et al. on Aug. 15, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,781 issued toSciaraffa, et al. on May 3, 1983; U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,753 issued to VanGompel, et al. on Jul. 3, 1990; the herein before referenced U.S. Pat.No. 5,151,092 issued to Buell on Sep. 9, 1992; and U.S. Pat. No.5,221,274 issued to Buell on Jun. 22, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,897issued to LaVon, et al. on Sep. 23, 1997 entitled “Absorbent ArticlesProviding Sustained Dynamic Fit”; U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/155,048 entitled “Absorbent Article With Multi-Directional ExtensibleSide Panels” filed Nov. 19, 1993 in the names of Robles, et al.; each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

The diaper 20 can also include side panels, referred to as second earpanels 40, disposed in the first waist region 36. Similar to the firstear panels 30, the second ear panels 40 may be integral with the chassis22 comprising extensions of a unibody chassis design or alternatively,the second ear panels 40 may comprise separate members attached to thechassis 22 using adhesives, ultrasonic bonds, radio frequency bonds, orother suitable means. The first and second ear panels 30, 40 may beconstructed in any suitable configuration accommodating a particularproduct design.

An exemplary disposable absorbent article including serviceable indiciafor facilitating an easy, intuitive change according to the presentinvention is the disposable diaper 20 shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 d. Thedisposable diaper 20 includes at least one externally visibleserviceable indicium 60 that is observable along at least portions ofthe garment-facing surface of the article proximate the longitudinalside edges 14 in at least the crotch region 37 and also at least oneexternally visible serviceable indicium 60 along portions of thegarment-facing surface of the article proximate the first and second endedges 10, 12 in the first and second waist regions 36, 38, respectively.In each portion, the serviceable indicia are externally visible so as todistinguish portions of the garment facing surface of the articleproximate the longitudinal side edges 14 and first and second end edges10, 12 from a portion of the garment-facing surface of the articleproximate the center of the article defined by an intersection of thelongitudinal and transverse axes 100, 110. The externally visibleserviceable indicia 60 may be disposed directly on the garment-facingsurface of the backsheet 26, on the surface of the backsheet 26 oppositethe garment-facing surface adjacent to the core 28, on one of thecomponents of the backsheet 26, or beneath the backsheet 26 onunderlying layers so long as the indicia are externally visible. Theexternally visible serviceable indicia 60 may comprise a separateelement affixed to a component of the article or may comprise acolorant, such as a dye or ink, applied to a component of the article.In addition, the externally visible serviceable indicia 60 may include acolor, a pattern, and/or a texture that distinguish the designatedportions from the center portion of the article.

For externally visible serviceable indicia comprising a pattern, thepattern may be in the form of a series of shapes and/or images. Forexample, the pattern may be formed of one or more dots, one or morelines, one or more regular or irregular shapes (such as circles,ellipses, diamonds, squares, and the like), or combinations thereof.Alternatively, a pattern may be in the form of a variation of coloralong a length of the serviceable indicia. For example, the color mayvary from light to dark or from one hue to another. Images may includedrawings of characters or objects readily recognizable to children.

For serviceable indicia comprising texture, portions of the backsheet 26may be mechanically treated to provide texture by methods known in theart, including mechanical operations, such as pleating, corrugating, orring rolling to provide folds that are able to open when the backsheet26 is extended in a direction generally orthogonal to the pleats orfolds. In addition to providing texture, these mechanical operations mayalso provide extensibility. Suitable processes for ring rolling orpre-corrugating, including extensible webs made thereby, are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,107,364 issued to Sisson on Aug. 15, 1978; U.S. Pat.No. 4,834,741 issued to Sabee on May 30, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,897issued to Weber et al. on Dec. 1, 1992, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,382issued to Osborn, III et al. on Dec. 30, 1997, each of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, serviceable indicia comprising texture may beaccomplished by forming a strainable network having at least twocontiguous, distinct, and dissimilar regions. Films thus formed have inthe past been termed structural elastic-like films (“SELF”). Astructural elastic-like film or web is an extensible material that canexhibit an elastic-like behavior in the direction of elongation withoutthe use of added elastic materials. However, SELF webs can be made whichexhibit little elastic behavior. In particular, webs comprising alaminate of films and nonwovens can be made which exhibit little elasticbehavior beyond very low levels of strain.

Serviceable indicia comprising SELF suitable for the present invention,and methods of forming SELF webs suitable for use as backsheets 26, aremore completely described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,801 entitled WebMaterials Exhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior, issued to Chappell, et, al.on May 21, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,650,214 entitled Web MaterialsExhibiting Elastic-Like Behavior and Soft, Cloth-like Texture, issued toAnderson et al. on Jul. 22, 1997; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,673 entitledAbsorbent Article with Structural Elastic-like Film Web Waist Belt,issued to Roe et al. on May 18, 1999, all of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference. For film/nonwoven laminate backsheets,the processes described in the above-mentioned patents can be performedon the laminate material or on the separate components prior tolamination, or both.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 a, the first ear panels 30 disposedalong each of the longitudinal side edges 14 in the second waist region38, include a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface, aproximal edge 32 joined to the longitudinal side edge 14 and a distaledge 34 opposite the proximal edge 32. At least a portion of each of thefirst ear panels 30 includes at least one externally visible serviceableindicium 60 complementing the externally visible serviceable indicia 60disposed on the garment-facing surface of the article proximate thefirst end edge 10, the second end edge 12 and/or proximate thelongitudinal side edges 14. Like the externally visible serviceableindicia 60 externally observable on the garment-facing surface of thearticle, the at least one externally visible serviceable indicium 60 onthe first ear panels 30 are also externally visible as described above.

Once the article is fitted to the wearer, the externally visibleserviceable indicium 60 on the garment-facing surface of the first earpanels 30 and the externally visible serviceable indicium 60 on theportion of garment-facing surface of the article near the first end edge10 facilitate as well as accentuate the fastening system 50 by forming acomposite substantially aligned indicium appearing, in one non-limitingembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 b-2 d, as a band encircling the waistof the wearer. Alternatively, the externally visible serviceable indicia60 form a partially overlapping or aligned composite indicium as thearticle is fitted to a wearer. At the same time, the externally visibleserviceable indicia 60 disposed on the portions of the garment-facingsurface of the article along the longitudinal side edges 14 encircle thelegs of the wearer in a substantially overlapping and aligned manner,forming a composite substantially aligned indicium appearing, forexample, as a continuous band around each of the wearer's legs asillustrated in FIG. 2 c.

For this embodiment, the externally visible serviceable indicia 60 onportions of the garment-facing surface of the article proximate thelongitudinal side edges 14 and the externally visible serviceableindicia 60 proximate the first and second end edges 10, 12 can be madeto form a contoured pattern that distinguishes the first waist region 36from the second waist region 38. At the same time, the contoured patterncan be made to complement the wearer's anatomy. For instance, thecontoured pattern for the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is curvilinear suchthat the pattern in the second waist region 38 and a portion of thecrotch region 37 is concave relative to the intersection of thelongitudinal and transverse axes 100, 110. Such concave curvilinearpattern can be made to complement the wearer's buttocks. Alternativelyor else in addition to the pattern in the second waist region 38, thepattern in the first waist region 36 and a portion of the crotch region37 can be convex relative to the intersection of the longitudinal andtransverse axes 100, 110 as shown in FIG. 2 a. Such convex pattern,particularly the pattern proximate the first end edge 10, can complementthe shape of the wearer's belly.

In addition to accommodating the fastening system 50 and particularlythe fit of the diaper 20, the contoured pattern formed by the externallyvisible serviceable indicia 60 can be made to accentuate other featuresof the disposable absorbent article such as the absorbent core, thegasketing leg cuffs, or the barrier leg cuffs. For instance, theabsorbent core 28 may have an hourglass shape design having a narrowportion in the crotch region 37 to improve the overall fit of the diaper20. Additionally, the core 28 may comprise one or more rounded orotherwise shaped ends. As shown in FIG. 4, the contoured shape formed byone or more externally visible serviceable indicia 60 may complement orhighlight the actual core shape or an idealized core shape (e.g., suchas an idealized core shape having rounded ends on a diaper having a corewith rectangular ends as illustrated in FIG. 4), making it moreappealing to the consumer. In addition, the contoured pattern matchingthe core shape can provide a visual signal indicating proper alignmentof the diaper 20 with respect to the wearer's lower torso, i.e., in thelateral direction, enhancing the fit of the diaper 20 in the wearer'scrotch region 37, thus improving the overall performance of the diaper20. On the other hand, the contoured pattern disposed on thegarment-facing surface of the article may align with the barrier cuffsor gasketing leg cuffs disposed on the body-facing surface of thedisposable absorbent article, accenting the articles ability to preventleakage. In some of these embodiments, only externally visibleserviceable indicia 60 proximate the longitudinal side edges 14 and/orproximate one of the end edges 10, 12, e.g., the second end edge 12proximate the second waist region 38, may be required to accentuate theabsorbent core 28 and facilitate lateral alignment of the article withrespect to the wearer's anatomy.

In certain embodiments, the externally visible serviceable indicia 60may be sufficiently opaque, or have a sufficiently dark color, toadditionally provide a masking benefit, effectively preventing visualdetection of a layer, material, or substance underlying the serviceableindicia. For example, the externally visible serviceable indicia 60proximate the longitudinal side edges 14 of a diaper 20 may have anopacity such that feces and/or portions of the absorbent core 28 thatmay be present under the region of the backsheet 26 proximate thelongitudinal side edges 14 of the diaper 20 are not visible from outsidethe diaper 20.

In certain preferred embodiments, disposable absorbent article caninclude instructional serviceable indicia 70 providing guidance orinstruction to the caregiver relative to the tightness of fit of thearticle about the wearer. In particular, the instructional serviceableindicia 70 can indicate to the caregiver whether to adjust the fit orswitch to a different size diaper in which proper fit can be obtained.For example, instructional serviceable indicia 70 can be disposed on thegarment facing surface of the article matching instructional serviceableindicia 70 on the garment facing surface of the first ear panels 30 toprovide an indication that the first ear panels 30 either do notsufficiently overlap the first waist region 36 indicating a loose fit,or overlap the first waist region 36 too far indicating an uncomfortablytight fit. In particular, too little an overlap may result in overlyloose leg fit while too great an overlap may result in overly tight legfit. Preferably, the instructional serviceable indicia 70 are disposedproximate the longitudinal side edges 14 of the article for at least aportion of the longitudinal side edge 14 and proximate the inner edge 35of the first ear panel 30 for at least a portion of the inner edge 35 asshown in FIG. 5. The instructional serviceable indicia 70 providingguidance or instruction to the caregiver relative to the tightness offit may include dots, graphics of characters, numbers, line segments,and/or patterns.

In an alternate non-limiting embodiment, the disposable absorbentarticle has a body-facing surface including portions thereof having atleast one internally visible serviceable indicium 80. The internallyvisible serviceable indicium 80 may facilitate an easy, intuitive changeby providing a guide for aligning the wearer with the article duringfitting so that in turn the wearer is accurately placed on the articlefor fastening, requiring minimal adjustment.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the internally visible serviceableindicia 80 can be disposed on the body-facing surface of the article tofacilitate the placement or alignment of the article, or a componentthereof, with respect to the lateral axis 110 and/or longitudinal axis100 of the article with an anatomic feature of the wearer. For instance,the topsheet 24 of the article may comprise an internally visibleserviceable indicium 80, such as a mark in the crotch region 37, that,when aligned to the anus, results in improved fit and waste containmentperformance of the article. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 6, theinternally visible serviceable indicium 80 is visible on the body-facingside of diaper 20 identifying the crotch area to aid in longitudinalpositioning. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the internally visibleserviceable indicium 80 is colored and includes a three dimensionalcontour to facilitate alignment of the article with the wearer duringfitting as shown in FIG. 8.

Similar to the embodiments including externally visible serviceableindicia 60, the internally visible serviceable indicia 80 may include acolor, a pattern, and/or a texture that distinguish the designatedportions of the body-facing surface of the article from other regions ofthe body-facing surface not comprising the internally visibleserviceable indicia 80. The internally visible serviceable indicia 80may be associated with any portion or component of the article visibleon or through the body-contacting surface of the article, including thetopsheet 24, the absorbent core 28 or portions thereof, the fasteningsystem 50, the topsheet 24, and the backsheet 26. In additionalembodiments, the internally visible serviceable indicia 80 may bedisposed proximate the longitudinal side edges 14 and proximate thefirst and second end edges 10, 12 of the article to provide a contouredpattern distinguishing the first waist region 36 from the second waistregion 38. The contoured pattern can be made to complement the wearer'sanatomy indicating to the caregiver where to place the wearer duringfitting. For instance, internally visible serviceable indicia 80 canform a curvilinear pattern such that the pattern in the second waistregion 38 is concave relative to the longitudinal and transverse axes100, 110 in order to match the contours of the wearer' buttocks. Thepattern in the first waist region 36 can also be curvilinear relative tothe longitudinal and transverse axes 100, 110 or else linear, but ineither case, contoured to match the sides of the wearer's lower back. Asa result, the contoured pattern can be produced to provide an imprint ofa wearer's lower back and buttocks region on the body-facing surface ofthe article directing the caregiver where to place the wearer duringfitting.

As described above for externally visible serviceable indicia 60, theinternally visible serviceable indicia 80 may be disposed on thebody-facing surface of the topsheet 24 or beneath the topsheet 24 aslong as it is visible from the body-facing surface. In addition, theinternally visible serviceable indicia 80 can have different colors,color patterns, gradient patterns, or textures used in order tocommunicate softness of the article towards the body and also providesome opacity sufficient to mask any underlying layer or material,thereby preventing the visual discernment of the layer, material, orsubstance through the serviceable indicia.

In some preferred embodiments comprising an elastically foreshortenedtop sheet 24 having a hole or slit 90 adapted to allow feces to pass tothe underside of the topsheet 24, such as those described above and indetail in copending patent application Ser. No. 01117670 filed Jul. 26,2001 and copending European Patent Application No. 01117669 filed Jul.26, 2001, the internally visible serviceable indicia 80 on thebody-facing surface of the article may facilitate alignment of the holeor slit 90 with the anus and/or gluteal groove. In these embodiments,the internally visible serviceable indicia 80 may comprise coloredregions on the body-facing surface of the article along the longitudinaland/or lateral edges of the hole or slit 90.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the diaper 20 includes an elasticallyforeshortened topsheet 24 having a hole 90 adapted to allow feces topass to the underside of the topsheet 24. In this particular embodiment,the internally visible serviceable indicium 80 highlights the frontregion of the article with a smooth curved transition towards the backaiming at better positioning of the article in the longitudinaldirection. In addition, the curvature of the colored indicia in the backprovides for improved transverse positioning of the hole 90 in relationto the anus. The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is similar to theembodiment in FIG. 9 in that the internally visible serviceable indicia80 identifies the crotch area of the article and also aids inpositioning of the hole 90 in the topsheet 24 relative to the anus.

Other diaper embodiments including internally visible serviceableindicia 80 for aligning the hole or slit 90 in an elasticized topsheet24 with the anus of the wearer are shown in FIGS. 11-18. For theembodiment shown in FIG. 11, a diaper 20 comprising an elasticallyforeshortened topsheet 24 includes internally visible serviceableindicia 80 identifying the crotch area of the diaper 20 and also theposition of the hole 90 in the topsheet 24 relative to the anus.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of internally visibleserviceable indicia 80 on the body-facing side of an article having anelastically foreshortened topsheet 24 with the internally visibleindicia identifying the front waist region of the diaper 20 andhighlighting a target urination zone 95 therein that is particularlyapplicable for male wearers. FIG. 13 shows an embodiment similar to theembodiment in FIG. 12, with a gradient color and patterns to create asmoother transition between front and back of the article. A furtherembodiment is shown in FIG. 14, where internally visible serviceableindicium 80 on the body-facing side of the article highlights the slitarea 90 while the internally visible serviceable indicium 80 in thefront waist area highlights the target urination zone 95, thecombination of which facilitates alignment of the article relative tothe wearer's anus and gentiles during fitting.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 provides two different internallyvisible serviceable indicia 80, an outer indicium identifying the crotchregion 37 and aiding in longitudinal positioning of the article and aninner indicium identifying the position of the slit or hole 90 in theelastically foreshortened top sheet 24 and aiding in positioning of theslit or hole 90 relative to the anus. In the embodiment shown in FIG.16, the internally visible serviceable indicia 80 indicate the front andback waist areas and also highlight the target zone therebetween for theanus relative to the elasticated slit area.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the internally visible serviceableindicia 80 on the body-facing side of an elastically foreshortenedtopsheet 24 comprise curved colored elastics to highlight the elasticityand the positioning of the hole 90 with respect to the anus. Inaddition, the stripe pattern underneath the topsheet 24 highlights thepassage area for feces.

FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of a combination of differentinternally visible serviceable indicia 80 which highlight the crotcharea to allow better longitudinal positioning of the diaper 20, indicatethe target urination zone 95 in the front waist region, and highlightthe slit or hole 90 disposed in the elastically foreshortened topsheet24 providing alignment relative to the anus. The internally visibleserviceable indicia 80 highlighting the slit or hole 90 can also providemasking of feces discharged by the wearer once it has passed through thehole 90.

In addition to the internally visible serviceable indicia 80, the diaper20 may include a pair of barrier leg cuffs and a pair of elasticallycontractible gasketing leg cuffs. Each of the gasketing leg cuffs isdisposed outside of a barrier leg cuff, adjacent to the longitudinalside edge. The barrier leg cuffs and the gasketing leg cuffs may betinted a color complementing the pattern or color of the internallyvisible serviceable indicia 80 on the topsheet 24 providing anadditional guide for aligning the article with the wearer's lower torsoduring fitting.

In addition, each of the gasketing leg cuffs may comprise one or moreelastic strands covered by a portion of the longitudinal side edge ofthe backsheet 26 that is folded over the one or more elastic strands toform a finished gasketing leg cuff. For this embodiment, thegarment-facing surface of the article may include serviceable indiciaforming a pattern as previously described such that once thelongitudinal side of the backsheet 26 is folded over the elastic strandsforming the finished cuffs, the finished leg cuffs may include theserviceable indicia on the body-facing surface of the diaper 20.

In addition to the features described above, the disposable absorbentarticle according to the present invention may include a fasteningsystem 50 designed to facilitate an easy intuitive change. An example ofan embodiment including such a fastening system 50 is shown in FIG. 19.For this embodiment, the fastening system 50 releasably attaches thefirst waist region 36 to the second waist region 38 and provides a firstfit and a second fit. The first fit provides a loose fit enabling thearticle to be maneuvered about the wearer's lower torso during fittingand the second fit provides a secure fit about the wearer's waist. Forinstance, during the first fit, the diaper 20 may be fitted looselyaround the wearer's ankles while standing and then pulled up around thewearer's waist and tightly secured by the second fit. The fasteningsystem 50 includes primary and secondary landing members 52, 54corresponding to the first fit and the second fit. In addition to theinstructional serviceable indicia 70 previously described for providingguidance or instruction to the caregiver relative to the tightness offit, the primary and secondary landing members 52, 54 can includeinstructional serviceable indicium 70 providing instruction to thecaregiver corresponding to the first fit and the second fit.

For this embodiment, the fastening system 50 may include a hook and looptype fastener including at least one engaging component (male fasteningcomponent) and at least two landing zones (female fastening components).In this case, the two landing zones provide the primary and secondarylanding members 52, 54. Alternatively, the fastener may include a taband slot type fastener wherein the tab member includes a retainingelement that interlocks with an opening such as a slit, slot, or loop asdisclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,097 issued to Kline,et al. incorporated herein by reference. For this embodiment the tab andslot fastener comprises at least two slit, slot, or loop openingsproviding the primary and secondary landing members 52, 54. For tab andslot type fasteners, primary and secondary landing members 52, 54 areseparated by a distance. For hook and loop type fasteners, the primaryand secondary landing members 52, 54 may be separated by a distance orelse contiguous.

The instructional serviceable indicia 70 disposed on the landing membersinclude instructions designating matching connections between the tabmembers and first or second landing members 52, 54. The instructionsmight include graphics of characters illustrating the orientation and/orconfiguration of the diaper 20 during the first fit and the second fit.For instance, a graphic might illustrate a loose fitting diaper fittedabout the waist of the character during the first fit and a tightfitting diaper secured about the waist of the character during thesecond fit.

Instructional serviceable indicia 70 disposed on the first and secondlanding members may be particularly useful where the diaper includes theversatility of being fitted to the wearer while the wearer is standingor lying down. For such an embodiment, the first fit may comprisefitting the diaper to the wearer while the wearer is standing in whichcase the diaper is fitted around the wearer's ankles by attaching thetabs to the first landing members and then pulled up around the lowertorso of the wearer. Once the diaper is positioned around the lowertorso, the diaper may be adjusted to achieve the second fit by removingthe tabs from the first landing members and engaging them with thesecond landing members. For this embodiment, the graphic on the firstlanding member may include a character wearing a diaper around itsankles while the graphic on the second landing member includes acharacter wearing a diaper secured about its waist.

In addition to graphics, the instructional serviceable indicia 70 mayalso comprise words such as “ankles” and “waist” associated with theposition of the article during the first fit and the second fit or theymay designate the type of fit such as “loose” and “snug”. Also, theinstructional marks may comprise numbers such as one “1” and two “2”designating the first and second fits, respectively.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the fastening system 50 includes twotab members 56. Each tab member 56 has a tab proximal edge 57 disposedat the distal edge 34 of each of the first ear panels 30, a tab distaledge 58, a tab body-facing surface, and a tab garment-facing surface.Each tab member 56 includes fastening elements disposed proximate thetab distal edge 58. Second ear panels 40 are disposed along eachlongitudinal side edge 14 in the first waist region 36. Each second earpanel has a body-facing surface and a garment-facing surface, a proximaledge 42 joined to the longitudinal side edge 14 and a distal edge 44opposite the proximal edge 42. A primary landing member 52 is disposedon the garment-facing surface of each of the second ear panels 40. Thesecondary landing member 54 is disposed on the garment-facing surface ofthe article in the first waist region 36. During fastening the primarylanding member 52 provides a first fastening point wherein once the tabmember 56 is engaged a first fit is achieved. The first fit provides aloose fit about the wearer enabling the diaper to be maneuvered about toachieve an effective orientation for wear. The second landing member 54provides a second fastening point for achieving a second fit where thearticle is tightly secured about the waist of the wearer. For thisembodiment the instructional serviceable indicia comprise graphics. Thegraphic on the first landing member 52 includes a character wearing adiaper around its ankles while the graphic on the second landing member54 includes a character wearing a diaper secured about its waist.

While particular embodiments and/or individual features of the presentinvention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious tothose skilled in the art that various other changes and modificationscan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Further, it should be apparent that all combinations of suchembodiments and features are possible and can result in preferredexecutions of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intendedto cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope ofthis invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable absorbent article having a first end region, a second end region and a crotch region between the first and second end regions, a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis that intersect in said crotch region of the absorbent article, said disposable absorbent article comprising: a liquid pervious topsheet, said liquid pervious topsheet having a body facing surface; a liquid impervious backsheet, said liquid impervious backsheet having a garment facing surface; a first a pair of side panels; a second pair of side panels that are spaced apart from said pair of side panels along said longitudinal axis; an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet; and a first internally visible serviceable indicium, said first internally visible serviceable indicium being at least partially located in said crotch region, said first internally visible serviceable indicium comprising an ink having a color, which distinguishes said first internally visible serviceable indicium from a region of said body facing surface of said liquid pervious topsheet, wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium is visible on or through said body-contacting surface.
 2. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium comprises a concave portion.
 3. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium comprises a convex portion.
 4. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium is disposed on said liquid pervious topsheet.
 5. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium has a contour that is adapted to facilitate the placement or alignment of the absorbent article with an anatomic feature of a wearer chosen from at least one of a wearer's genitalia, and a wearer's buttocks.
 6. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said disposable absorbent article is an incontinence article.
 7. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said disposable absorbent article is a sanitary napkin.
 8. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium is disposed substantially within said crotch region and at least minimally within at least one of said first end region and said second end region.
 9. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium comprises a pattern.
 10. The disposable absorbent article of claim 9 wherein said pattern comprises a series of shapes and/or images.
 11. The disposable absorbent article of claim 9 wherein said pattern comprises one or more dots, lines, stripes, regular shapes, irregular shapes, circles, swirls, ellipses, diamonds, squares, and combinations thereof.
 12. The disposable absorbent article of claim 9 wherein said pattern comprises a variation of color along a length of said first internally visible serviceable indicium.
 13. A disposable absorbent article having a first end region, a second end region and a crotch region between the first and second end regions, a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis that intersect in said crotch region of the absorbent article, said disposable absorbent article comprising: a liquid pervious topsheet, said liquid pervious topsheet having a body facing surface; a liquid impervious backsheet, said liquid impervious backsheet having a garment facing surface; a first a pair of side panels; a second pair of side panels that are spaced apart from said first pair of side panels along said longitudinal axis of the article; wherein said first pair of side panels and said second pair of side panels extend laterally outward from said longitudinal axis substantially to the same extent; an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet; and a first internally visible serviceable indicium, said first internally visible serviceable indicium being at least partially located in said crotch region, said first internally visible serviceable indicium comprising an ink having a color, which distinguishes said first internally visible serviceable indicium from a region of said body facing surface of said liquid pervious topsheet, wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium is visible on or through said body-contacting surface.
 14. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium comprises a concave portion.
 15. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium comprises a convex portion.
 16. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium is disposed on said liquid pervious topsheet.
 17. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium has a contour that is adapted to facilitate the placement or alignment of the absorbent article with an anatomic feature of a wearer chosen from at least one of a wearer's genitalia, and a wearer's buttocks.
 18. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said disposable absorbent article is an incontinence article.
 19. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said disposable absorbent article is a sanitary napkin.
 20. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13 wherein said first internally visible serviceable indicium is disposed substantially within said crotch region and at least minimally within at least one of said first end region and said second end region. 